Drinking too much water leads to hyponatremia and in the worst-case-water intoxication.
Our body needs some amount of electrolytes like sodium, potassium, chloride, and magnesium in our bloodstream to keep our muscles contracting, nervous system functioning, and body’s acid-base levels in check. Excessive water intake can imbalance the ratio of electrolytes in the body. Low level of sodium in the body can lead to hyponatremia and the symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, unsteady gait, irritability, confusion and convulsions.
In the worst case, it can even cause water intoxication or water poisoning. In this condition, the sodium level in the body goes too low. Without sodium to regulate the balance of fluid within cells, the brain can swell. Depending on the level of complication, water intoxication can result in coma or even death.
